African Tulip Tree

OVERVIEW

Among the most beautiful of flowering trees, the African tulip tree comes from tropical Africa, where it reaches heights of 60 feet (18.3 meters) or more. When in bloom, the tree puts on a spectacular display, aglow with a profusion of stunning, orange-scarlet flowers.

CHARACTERISTICS

A blooming African tulip tree clamors for attention, displaying clusters of showy, five-inch-long flowers that resemble frilly tulips. The bloom season, which depends on where the tree is planted, may last as long as five months. Fruits are 6- to 12-inch (15.2- to 30.5-centimeter) long, cigar-shaped pods that dry and harden. When they fall from the tree, they split into two boat-shaped halves and spill about 500 thin, flat seeds. The filmy wing that surrounds each small seed catches the wind and helps the seed disperse.

CULTIVATION

You might spot this exotic standout in urban and suburban landscapes where it has been introduced, including warm parts of the US, Australia, Central America, and some Pacific Islands. One cultivar bears flowers that are golden-yellow. Although evergreen in their native tropical Africa, these trees are sensitive to cold, and may be cold-deciduous in cooler climates. They may also drop their leaves to survive very dry seasons. These trees do best in full sun, but outside of the tropics they rarely reach their full height. Limbs should be trimmed to prevent wind damage, as the wood of an African tulip tree is soft and brittle.

CONSERVATION

This beauty can also be a troublemaker. The African tulip tree has naturalized in some places, including certain tropical Pacific Islands and Queensland, Australia. In these particularly hospitable areas, it self-sows freely. In fact, the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group names this species in their published list, 100 of the World's Worst Alien Species. If that sounds like a harsh judgment, consider that African tulip trees invade natural ecosystems, forming dense stands that crowd out native vegetation.

OUR COLLECTION

In San Diego, African tulip trees bloom in late summer and into fall. Look for their glorious blooms at the Zoo—across from the koala exhibit, in the Zoo's Gorilla Tropics area, in Scripps Aviary, and at Terrace Lagoon.

LEAVES

Mature leaves are deep green and glossy, but they start out coppery. African tulip trees have pinnate leaves: leaflets on each side of the midrib are 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) long. A single compound leaf can be 18 inches (45.7 centimeters) long.

SQUIRT

For centuries, children have loved to play with the swollen flower buds of African tulip trees. A good squeeze sends a squirt of watery nectar as far as 10 feet (3.1 meters)!

ON FIRE

Another name for the African tulip tree is "flame of the forest."

DISCOVER WILDLIFE

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